Skip to main content
Traffic Manual

V.1.5. Temporary failure of the computerized system used by the holder of the regime

This section covers the following cases:

  • the computerized system of the regime holder is not operational;
  • The electronic connection between the computerized system used by the scheme holder and the NCTS is not operational.

Any use of the business continuity procedure must be authorized in advance by the customs authorities. In order to obtain this authorization, the holder of the regime, regardless of whether he or she uses the ordinary or simplified procedure, must notify these authorities by fax, email, or other means of the reason for resorting to the business continuity procedure and its start date.

When the customs authorities are certain that the connection is not truly operational, they will inform the holder of the procedure of their authorization to use the business continuity procedure. In addition, they may request evidence in this regard or carry out inspections. However, customs authorities will refuse authorization if the holder of the regime systematically reports the unavailability of the system.

The customs authority will monitor the use of the business continuity procedure to prevent its abuse.

If an authorized consignor submits more than 2% of its customs declarations annually under the business continuity procedure due to a failure of the computerized system or the electronic connection between that system and the NCTS, its authorization will be reviewed to determine whether it continues to meet the conditions for the business continuity procedure.